Overview Of The Exoskeleton Properties And Functions

The exoskeleton is non-cellular material that is present on the upper side of the epidermal cell layer and comprises the upper piece of the integument.

The appearance and properties of the exoskeleton are different in many insects, and almost all obvious features of a creepy crawly result from the exoskeleton. The exoskeleton act as a hindrance between the inside of the creepy crawly and the environment, preventing the insect from water loss and blocked the entrance of microorganisms in the body of insect. This is all due to hardness of exoskeleton. Muscles play an important role in insects movement also attached with exoskeleton.

The main fact is that the exoskeleton is a nonstop structure, its mechanical properties are contrast from area to area because all insects develop exoskeleton according to their environment that will increase the insect survival chances.

Sometimes the difference in exoskeleton between locales is slow, yet regularly it is very unexpected; flexible and versatile regions can verge on hard and intensely sclerotized areas. If we talk about soft-bodied larvae, these are flexible and soft. But the limited areas of their exoskeleton, i.e. mendibles, head portion and legs are hard, rigid and inflexible. Winged insects are secured by harden exocuticle, because exocuticle contains greatest part of their body surface, which can be to some degree flexible and bendy yet it is considered as a hard defensive shield. The dorsal midriff of any beetle species, which is covered by the exoskeleton, is thin and easily bent. While the ventral abdominal exoskeleton of similar creatures is hard and tough.

Exoskeleton: The Secret of Insect Success

The top secret of insect success is only their exoskeleton. Butterflies, ants, lobsters, recluse crabs, bugs, and spiders are generally creatures whose lifestyle is made possible by the presence of their exoskeleton on the upper side of their body plan.

The exoskeleton implies participation in the Phylum, Arthropoda. Many individuals from Arthropoda, for example, the ocean insects and shellfish, live submerged in the sea.

Anyway bugs, myriapods, 8-legged creature, and a couple of scavangers are the main creatures of phylum Arthropoda with exoskeletons which live ashore. The unique exoskeleton empowers creepy crawlies to live in places and do different thing that other creatures can't. Thus, creepy crawlies occupied the land with enormous, various populations. However it is estimated that the insects contains approximately 75% of all animal species.

Some elementary functions of exoskeleton are:

• Exoskeleton provides structural support.
• Protection from physical injury.
• Exoskeleton provides a place of connection for muscles.
• Exoskeleton Serves as an barrier between the creepy crawly and nature.
• Serves as the site of touchable response.
• Helps to keep up water balance.
• Helps to prevent the entry of destructive organisms and synthetic concoctions.